Warts on Fingers

Hands and feet are the common places which are found to be affected by warts, which are small rough tumors. However, warts may appear on the other parts of the body as well. Warts on fingers are caused by the infection of the HPV virus, resulting in a rapid growth of noncancerous cells on the outer layers of the skin. These tumors are generally benign and often get resolved by themselves; however, they may be a great source of discomfort for the affected person.

Warts on hands and fingers share similar symptoms with those which appear on toes. Prominent symptoms are small, fleshy, grainy bumps, which are rough to touch. These bumps appear flesh-colored and white, pink, or tan in color. These warts may occur as lone tumors or in a cluster. They are extremely itchy, and when they are scratched or irritated, they start bleeding.

The affected person can easily pass the wart viruses to other parts of his body and to other people as well. Coming in contact with contaminated objects like towels, can also pass the disease from the patient to others. However, the transmission of virus depends upon the person's immunity, and not everyone may develop warts who come in contact with the HPV. Unlike other types of warts such as genital warts, warts that affect fingers have less probability of being contagious.

Warts do not usually require a treatment. However, people do have the urge to cure them as they might be bothersome or a source of embarrassment. An over-the-counter medicine such as the salicylic acid is a useful home remedy to cure warts. In case the warts are stubborn and stay on the fingers for a long time, then it is advisable to get professional advice from your doctor.

Freezing the warts by the use of liquid nitrogen is a less painful and effective treatment. It may be required to use this method for more than once so as to ensure a complete cure.

Doctors also use a mixture of cantharidin (a type of terpenoid, it is a poisonous chemical compound secreted by many species of blister beetle) and other chemicals, and paint it on the affected area before covering it with a bandage. This results in the development of skin blisters, which lift the warts off the skin.

If other therapies or treatments for warts removal do not respond positively, then doctors recommend a minor surgery, wherein, the warts tissues are cut off. This is done by using an electric needle, and the process is known as electrodessication and curettage. In this method, there are probable chances of development of scars, post-surgery. In extreme cases, wherein the warts are stubborn enough to resist all kinds of treatments, laser surgery is what doctors opt for.

Recommended medications for the problem consist of bleomycin (blenoxane), retinoids, and those of immunotherapy. These medications are generally referred by dermatologists, for those cases, which show no improvements after being treated by standard methods.

Warts can be kept from being spread to other parts of the body by following some self-care measures. One must avoid using the same accessories on the warts which are used for the unaffected areas of the body. Refrain from biting your fingernails or picking at the warts. Washing your hands thoroughly after touching the warts and keeping them as dry a possible also helps in curbing further spread of the infection.

Disclaimer: This story is meant for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.